NOT QUITE THE WELCOME.
CHAPTER 29: NOT QUITE THE WELCOME.
Justin drove the neighborhood of Central West Bronx, in his exotic car, slowly, looking for where to park the car that would be safe. He figured it'll safest parked at the restaurant he dined with.
As he drove through the neighborhood, the attention of everyone was drawn to the sight the car. Most of the young men who were mostly thugs, who were either seated or standing in groups, or alone, gazed at the car.
They hardly saw such cars in their neighborhood, let alone a Bugatti. They mumbled amongst themselves as they looked at the car. But Justin couldn't hear nor decipher what was being said.
The bodyguard who followed him observed what went on through his window, remaining calm and quiet.
"I knew this was a bad idea from the get go," Justin lamented, as fear began setting in a little. He turned and looked at the bodyguard beside him and saw how calm he was.
"I sure wish I was like you right now," Justin said. But he made no remark, nor did he respond.
Justin shrugged it off, and parked his car. The bodyguard quickly hopped out of the car and hurried to go open Justin's door. But before he got there, Justin had already opened it, and dropped one foot out the car.
The clients who were dining at the restaurant, both they who were within and without, looked see who it was that had arrived. They all gasped in surprise, when they saw who emerged from the car.
The clients were regulars there, so they were familiar with each other's faces. They whispered amongst, inaudible to Justin's hearing.
From within, the waitress who he had become familiar with at the restaurant looked and saw that it was Justin. She was surprised, so she walked out to meet Justin.
"Hey," she called out.
"Hey," Justin replied smiling, as he saw a friendly face.
"How've you been?" Justin asked, as they walked closer to each other.
"Been holding up. I should ask how you're doing, but it's obvious you're doing okay," she said scanning Justin with an amazed and perplexed look. Justin simply chuckled softly.
Meanwhile, the bodyguard stood a few steps away from him, as he assessed the environment more properly this time, to see if there be any possible threats.
He could spot some thug-like fellows talking and looking in their direction. Seeing that, he knew it was only a matter of time before they would run into some trouble. But he didn't fret. He remained calm.
"So, how? I mean, you look different, all of a sudden," the lady said.
"Am surprised as you are. I don't know where to start," Justin replied, chuckling.
"Well, you can tell me all about it, over drinks, 9 O'Clock tonight."
"Oh! Sorry, I won't be able to make it. I'll be way too busy," Justin replied, evading any possibility of getting emotionally involved with any lady.
"Okay. Maybe we can reschedule for another time?" she suggested.
"Sure! Some other time," Justin replied, "Whenever am back in the neighborhood."
"Okay then. Hope to see you soon," she replied smiling, as she headed back into the restaurant.
Justin sighed in relief and turned, walking to where the bodyguard stood, waiting for him.
"Sorry about that," he apologized.
"No problem sir," he replied, slightly nodding his head as they walked together.
Justin headed to his apartment block which was blocks away from where he parked his car. As he got to the entrance, he met a couple of folks dealing crack at the entrance of the building.
"What's up?" he greeted, walking past them. They looked at him, as they all wondered.
"Haven't we seen that dude before?" Justin faintly heard one of them saying. It made him smirk, as he walked to the elevator.
Having stayed at the Bishop Estate, this place looked terrible to him. He wondered how he was able to live here. He just wanted to get what he came there for and leave as quickly as possible.
They got into the elevator and rode all the way up to his floor, and he led them to his apartment. He unlocked his door, and walked in.
Justin was surprised to see that everything was still in place. No one had broken in to steal or make away with anything.
"Let me get a few of my stuff, necessary stuff, and we'll leave," Justin said.
"Take your time sir," the bodyguard responded, respectfully nodding slightly.
Justin got his backpack and carried his documents. In another bag, he filled it with his awards and accolades, from his sportsmanship and academic awards.
He also got his framed pictures of himself and his friends. He looked round the room and saw that nothing else was of importance.
He looked through his closet, seeing his clothes. He laughed softly, closing the closet. He knew he didn't need them anymore.
"That's all. Let's go," he said to the bodyguard.
The bodyguard nodded and got the heavier bag as they exited the room. As Justin locked the door and turned to leave, he was stunned by the sight of four unruly fellows standing in the hallway, blocking their passage.
His heart began racing, as he knew this spelt trouble, which was what he was afraid of and wanted to avoid.
"Can we help you, guys." Justin said, nervously.
"Sure. That's exactly what we were hoping for. Right guys?" one of them asked, and they all affirmed.
"Why don't you hand us your wallet, and the keys to your car, and we'll both be on our merry way?" the thug requested.
"Uh guys, we can settle this amicably. Why don't we-"
"No," the bodyguard interrupted. Justin's eyes widened in shock, as he turned looking at him.
"No?" Justin asked, with gritted teeth.
"No. We're not giving you anything. Here's what's going to happen. We're going to walk out of here with everything we have, and you will either be dead, or barely alive, or you can just walk away, like good little girls."
The thugs laughed out scornfully. "You don't know who you're fucking with, do you? Well, you're gonna find out."
The leader of the unruly bunch gestured with his head, indicating that they advance towards Justin and the guard.
As they did, Justin was frightened to the bone, and he stepped backwards reflexively. But the bodyguard stood his ground, unfazed at the threat.